All is well in Provo as No. 6 BYU continues to skirt the edges and stay undefeated through nine games. Last week, against arch-rival Utah, the Cougars had to once again turn to late-game heroics to escape with a win.
This has left a lot of people skeptical about BYU's matchup with the Jayhawks on Saturday night. Many analysts and experts have already staked their claim on the side of an upset. Personally, I am disgusted that anyone would have the gall to pick against a 9-0 team at home (This is satire. I pick against the Cougars literally every week). Vegas agrees with the media, with most sportsbooks pegging BYU as a measly 3-point favorite at home.
The reason for the perpetual doubt is less to do with the Cougars and more so to do with Kansas, at least in this case. The Jayhawks have been on a tear recently, showing a potent offense recently, averaging 38 points per game over their last three games. Kansas was able to knock off No. 17 Iowa State just last week by two scores.
The potential in the Jayhawks' offense has always been there. Led by preseason Davey O'Brien Watchlist quarterback Jalon Daniels, Kansas has finally found a groove in the form of a high-octane, chunk-play offense. He's joined in the backfield by Devin Neal — a beast of a back who averages 5.9 yards per carry.
We may say it week after week, but if there is anything that can expose this BYU defense, it is a dominant run game and a mobile quarterback. The Jayhawks will bring both on Saturday and the Cougars are going to have to find a way to contain Daniels. The Jayhawks have only allowed eight sacks all season, the least in the Big 12.
Kansas' defense doesn't exactly wow you, so expect a healthy amount of points in this one. I'm excited to see how BYU comes out offensively after a mediocre performance last week. The Cougars will be without senior captain Brayden Keim due to injury but will get back another captain, Connor Pay, from his injury to help bolster up the offensive line and establish a run game.
Off the field, there are other notable storylines. BYU is continuing to fight for an undefeated season, a conference championship and a chance to go to the College Football Playoff, while Kansas needs to run the table in order to be bowl-eligible. The temperature will be right around freezing at kickoff, providing both teams with their first true winter games of the season. It's also a revenge game for Kalani Sitake and the Cougars, a chance to avenge their loss to the Jayhawks in Kansas last season.
It's college football under the lights (please let me get some sleep)! Here are the predictions.
Me (2-7) — Kansas 33, BYU 30
This time, I'm serious. I mean it. I see a BYU loss happening Saturday night and my record becoming totally redeemable by the end of the season. It's not only a perfect letdown spot for the Cougars but also a quick turnaround from an emotional and very late night in Salt Lake City just a week ago. I expect a flat BYU offense and a determined Kansas team. Jayhawks get a quick and early lead and are able to hang on to it because of the run game. Cougars claw their way back, but it's too late. They finally lose a close one and take a step back for the first time this season.
Kevin Humphreys (6-3) — BYU 31, Kansas 21
This is BYU's biggest trap game of the year, following an Utah win last week and Arizona State next week. They are due for an emotional letdown after beating Utah last weekend (a win that I was right on the money with). Kansas showed how good they were last week by dominating Iowa State and the Jayhawks have led in every fourth quarter this season despite being 3-6. All the signs point to Kansas being the right side in this one. But BYU is a team of destiny, and it has been through this before. After BYU’s comeback victory against Oklahoma State, the Cougars throttled UCF the following week. Everyone is picking Kansas, but I expect BYU to play one of their best games of the season and win by double digits on Saturday night. LaVell Edwards Stadium will push BYU over the top on Saturday.
Karter Baughan (4-5) — Kansas 31, BYU 28
BYU opens as a 2.5-point favorite against Kansas. Kansas has finally hit its stride and is rolling, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Running quarterbacks have hurt BYU so far this season, especially against Oklahoma State and Utah, where BYU miraculously pulled themselves out of some crazy holes. Daniels will likely have success against this defense, and BYU may find themselves in a hole they can’t escape. (Though I have been wrong about this team for about six weeks in a row).